7 ways to experience Shawnee Forest Country, a one-stop destination for outdoor adventures

If you love nature and hiking, then Shawnee National Forest is your paradise. It offers beautiful rock formations and lush green trees, as well as birds and butterflies galore. You could hike for a week and still have more to see. The forest covers much of Southernmost Illinois, between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The area is well-suited for an outdoor adventure any time of year, with hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, and bird and nature watching. (Be sure to wear sturdy, enclosed shoes, and use insect repellent.)

1.) Take the Shawnee Challenge. It’s free and fun, allowing you to earn points that can be redeemed for prizes. The self-supported outdoor challenge can be completed at your own pace, allowing you to experience different parts of Shawnee National Forest how you'd prefer: hiking, paddling, via horseback, or while mountain biking. This challenge isn't just a stroll in the park, though. It's for those looking to get off the beaten path and reconnect with nature. Many of the locations have limited or no services. Part of the challenge is to "pack it in and pack it out"—a leave-no-trace adventure.

2.) Explore Garden of the Gods. It's one of the best-known sights in Southernmost Illinois and for good reason. The Observation Trail is a .25-mile stone path that features some of the most well-known formations. The view from this trail of 3,300 acres of beautiful, old-growth forest is breathtaking. Sunsets are especially beautiful. The trail passes along the top of a cliff, which affords spectacular views of unusual rock formations, such as Camel Rock and Devil’s Smokestack. 

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Courtesy of Southernmost Illinois

3.) Discover lesser-known parts of the forest. While not as well known as Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow Recreational area is just as awe-inspiring and consists of a wonderfully scenic trail, which leads past remnants of a stone wall built by Native Americans. There's also an observation platform and steps that descend through huge rock formations and narrow rock passageways. At the bottom, Ox Lot Cave is a massive rock overhang, where 19th-century loggers kept their oxen and horses.  Continue hiking to the beautiful 28-acre Pounds Hollow Lake or through massive sandstone canyons back to the top of the escarpment. This area is known for its spring woodland flowers along both its upper and lower trails. The upper trail is paved and less strenuous for hikers, while the lower trail has a dirt surface and leads along the base of the bluffs before looping back to the parking lot. The lower trail gives visitors a true wilderness experience—and, as a perk during warmer days, the base of the bluffs can be a little cooler.

4.) Canoe the Cache River Wetlands. The area contains 60,000 acres of beautiful forests and wetlands.  Along the way, you might see otters, bobcats, whitetail deer, bald eagles, herons, egrets, Sandhill Cranes, or even the occasional Anhinga.

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Courtesy of Southernmost Illinois

5.) Take a trip to Giant City State Park. Located near Makanda, Illinois, the state park offers breathtaking natural beauty and great opportunities for outdoor recreation that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Check out the 82-foot, 100,000-gallon water tower, with a 50-foot observation deck that provides memorable panoramic views.

6.) Scuba-dive at Mermet Springs. For those looking for a high-adrenaline experience, the springs may be your next destination. A spring-fed quarry, a full scuba diving training center, lots of fish, and a sunken Boeing 727 from a Hollywood movie enhance the experience.

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Courtesy of Southernmost Illinois

7.)  Supersize your visit with a stop in Metropolis. The official Home of Superman proudly honors its favorite son with a 15-foot bronze statue of the Man of Steel in the middle of Superman Square.

While you're in the area, cabins, cottages, tree houses, historic hotels, and memorable lodging options offer secluded getaways. 

Whether you want to participate in an outdoor activity, take in the gorgeous scenery, or explore small towns, this section of Illinois can satisfy on all counts.

This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Southernmost Illinois. To learn more, visit southernmostillinois.com, or call 1-800-C-IT-HERE.